The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber Cold-Health Alert (CHA) for the Yorkshire & Humber, North West and North East regions of England
Expected low temperatures are likely to result in increased use of health care services by vulnerable people and an increase in risk to health for individuals aged 65 years and over, those with pre-existing health conditions (including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases) and some other vulnerable groups, such as those sleeping rough.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said:
This is the first prolonged cold spell of the season, and it is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.
The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.
